Exclusive: Keith Hackett reacts after Ipswich given ‘soft’ penalty at Coventry
Ipswich Town were handed a “soft” penalty just 20 seconds into their FA Cup victory over Coventry City, Keith Hackett has said.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that Sky Blues defender Liam Kitching took a risk by placing his hands on Sammie Szmodics inside the area.
Frank Lampard endured some tough Coventry results at the start of his time as manager, before starting to see results turn in a more positive direction.
But after defeat to Leeds last week, where Lampard’s post-match reaction could potentially get him in trouble, his side suffered another setback in against Premier League opposition in the cup.
Coventry City handed Ipswich Town an early FA Cup opportunity
Coventry saw their hopes of replicating their remarkable run to the FA Cup semi-finals of last season were ended on Saturday (8 February) with a comprehensive 4-1 defeat at home to the Tractor Boys.
Lampard‘s side did not help themselves in the opening minute of the game, when they gifted Ipswich the chance to open the scoring from the spot.
As Ipswich made a break down the left-wing, Szmodics made a darting run towards the penalty spot in the hopes of receiving a cross.
While he did so, Kitching appeared to make an apparent to grab the attacker, and although he quickly attempted to pull out of the contact, it was enough to ensure the Ipswich man went to ground.
That prompted referee Ben Toner to point the spot, and Hackett has given his verdict on that penalty awarded against Coventry.
Liam Kitching ‘took a risk’ with FA Cup penalty award
Speaking to Football Insider about the decision to penalise Kitching inside the area, the former referee said:
“It looks a soft decision. The referee’s in a great position, he’s seen it. I think where we get confused around holding offences is they talk about the ‘sustained holding offence’, the ‘sustained pull’ and all that goes with it.
“Why is the defender holding the forward? He’s got his hands on him and therefore he’s at risk. And we’ve got a referee who’s shown a bit of courage and said ‘right, I’m giving a penalty kick.
“He’s in a good position he’s judged it so on this one I’m supporting the referee.“
Coventry will now focus their attention on trying to break into the Championship play-off places, with Lampard’s side currently four points adrift of the top six.
While Ipswich do now have an FA Cup fifth round tie to think about, their first focus will be on avoiding relegation from the Premier League, with the club19th in the table, three points from safety.